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CNY firefighters honor one of their own who is battling cancer

Ten Moyers Corners Fire Department trucks lined Patrick Savage's street Thursday in Liverpool. Savage has served as fire police since 2011. He recently discontinued his service because he is battling cancer. More than 70 firefighters visited Savage to shake his hand.
(Provided photo)

Moyers Corners Fire Police Captain Randy Frost thanks Patrick Savage for his service Thursday at his home in Liverpool. Savage is battling cancer and recently discontinued his service to the department.Provided photo

Liverpool, NY -- Patrick Savage watched from his bedroom window as more than 70 firefighters arrived to his house on 10 fire trucks.

The firefighters were there to shake Savage's hand.

Savage, 49, who is battling cancer, recently discontinued his service as a member of the fire police at the Moyers Corners Fire Department, Station 2, due to the advanced stage of his illness.

His fellow volunteer firefighters presented Savage with a shadow box containing his badge, picture and whistle, as well as, the Firefighter of the Month Award that he was recently awarded. Savage was also named Firefighter of the Month and Fire Policeman of the Year in 2013 for his service.

The lights on the firetrucks flashed on Savage's Liverpool street Thursday evening as nearly every member of the Moyers Corners Fire Department filled his house to pay their respects for Savages' extraordinary service.

"It was absolutely amazing," said Kelly Savage, his wife. "It was extremely emotional."

Kelly Savage said her husband was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and underwent treatment. He was not able to return to work, but he wanted to do something with his time. He joined the fire police at the Moyers Corners Fire Department.

"He wasn't strong enough to be a firefighter, but needed to do something," she said.

Kelly Savage said joining the fire department was just what her husband needed.

"He needed to feel needed again," she said. "They saved his life."

Patrick Savage's cancer returned in January. Kelly Savage said her husband was moved by the showing of support from the fire department on Thursday, but his condition has worsened over the weekend.

"It's incredibly difficult, but the fire department has been amazing," she said. "They have gone above and beyond."